Most Famous Japanese Castle: Osaka Castle
Osaka castle is a place not to be missed during a visit to Japan, its located on a gorgeous hill surrounded by moats, shrines, gardens and barriers to fight off invaders.
An enjoyable day at Osaka Castle was just what I needed after the heavy drinking during Osaka Nights.
They were serving beer at the castle during an Austrian promotional event, quite interesting. Especially since I ended up going to Austria a few years later, check out my Innsbruck adventure.
drinking Austrian beer in front of Osaka Castle
The castle was gorgeous and the view from the roof balcony was breathtaking.
Originally called Ozakajō, it is one of Japan's most famous castles, and played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century of the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
taiko drummers
Under the Meiji government, Osaka Castle became part of the Osaka Army Arsenal (Osaka Hohei Kosho) manufacturing guns, ammunition and explosives for Japan's rapidly-expanding Western-style military.
The castle is open to the public, and is easily accessible from Osakajōkōen Station on the JR West Osaka Loop Line.
impressive view from Osaka Castle
It is a popular spot during festival seasons, and especially during the cherry blossom bloom (hanami), when the sprawling castle grounds are covered with food vendors and taiko drummers.
The surrounding park was gigantic, you could walk around the castle for hours. It was a hectic day because right after I had to catch the train heading towards the Nagisa festival in the Osaka Harbor.
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